Dozens of pharmacies across Hampshire will remain open during Christmas and New Year to ensure residents can access essential health services and advice. The Pharmacy First scheme also offers treatment and medication for common conditions without needing a GP appointment or prescription.

Opening hours cover Christmas Day (Wednesday, 25 December), Boxing Day (Thursday, 26 December), and New Year’s Day (Wednesday, 1 January). Residents are advised to check opening times in advance, as schedules may vary. Pharmacies are listed only if they’ve confirmed availability with NHS England.

The Pharmacy First scheme, launched on 31 January 2024, allows community pharmacists to treat seven common conditions, including sinusitis, sore throats, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Pharmacists can supply prescription-only medicines, including antibiotics and antivirals, when clinically appropriate.

Pharmacies open on Christmas Day:

  • Lords Hill Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)
  • Solent Pharmacy, Shirley (10am-1pm)
  • Woolston Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)
  • Eastleigh Day Lewis (2pm-5pm)
  • Boots Milford-on-Sea (2pm-5pm)
  • Broadlaw Pharmacy, Fareham (2pm-5pm)
  • Gosport Community Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)

Pharmacies open on Boxing Day:

  • Bassett Pharmacy (10am-1pm)
  • Boots Above Bar Street (8am-6pm)
  • Boots West Quay Retail Park (9am-6pm)
  • Lords Hill Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)
  • Asda Eastleigh (10am-4pm)
  • Boots Lymington (10am-4pm)
  • H J Everett, West End (10am-1pm)
  • Asda Fareham (10am-4pm)
  • Boots Fareham (10am-4pm)
  • Asda Gosport (10am-4pm)
  • Gosport Community Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)
  • Boots Whiteley (10am-5pm)

Pharmacies open on New Year's Day:

  • Boots Above Bar Street (8am-6pm)
  • Lordswood Day Lewis (11am-5pm)
  • Dean Road Pharmacy, Bitterne (2pm-5pm)
  • Asda Eastleigh (10am-4pm)
  • Boots Lymington (10am-4pm)
  • New Milton Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)
  • Asda Fareham (10am-4pm)
  • Asda Gosport (10am-4pm)
  • Gosport Community Pharmacy (2pm-5pm)
  • Boots Whiteley (10am-5pm)

Dr Lara Alloway, chief medical officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: "We would like to remind people who are on repeat medication to ensure that they check that they have enough supplies to get them through Christmas and the New Year, as obviously, despite the cover, a number of pharmacies will be closed.

"If you have friends and family coming to visit, please ensure they also bring any medication that they need so you avoid spending the holidays driving to an open pharmacy when you could be at home with friends and family.

"As well as being an invaluable High Street resource, pharmacies offer expert advice about over-the-counter medicines to treat common health conditions, as well as information on medication and a range of other services."

Residents are reminded to order repeat prescriptions early, as requests can take up to five working days. To find open pharmacies or confirm hours, visit the NHS website or check directly with your local pharmacy.

A full list of Hampshire opening times can be found here.